Zigante, a native Croatian, is an accomplished goalkeeper and private trainer on the professional and collegiate levels. He played professionally in Yugoslavia, Austria, England and the United States, and played for teams such as Dinamo Zagreb, Plamen, FC Kapfenburg, FC Corinthinans, the Wichita Wings and the San Diego Sockers.

Since leaving full professional play in 1990 and turning toward coaching full time, Zigante has worked with premier club, ODP, college, regional, national and professional teams. He has consulted the U.S. and Croatian national teams and was an assistant with Major League Soccer’s San Jose Clash and the Cornell University men’s and women’s soccer teams. He has served as a national director for Soccer Plus Goalkeeping Camps for more than 20 years, and he is the Goalkeeper Academy Director with Apex Soccer.

Zigante earned dual degrees in physical education and eco­nomics from the University of Zagreb in 1986. He earned his UEFA referee certificate shortly after grad­uation and has held a U.S. Soccer Federation referee certifica­tion and ‘C’ coaching license since 1993.

“Ziggy’s one of the most highly regarded goalkeeper coaches in this country,” Rennie said. “It’s really fortunate for us that he’s here. He’s a great guy to work with. He can really help our goalkeepers, not just run them through drills but he can make adjustments and help them get better. Having spoken with the goalkeepers, they’ve already noticed key differences he’s been able to help them with. So we’re really excited to have him.”